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[[Image:Burdekin_Duck_pair.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by kctsang<br/>Location: Singapore]] | [[Image:Burdekin_Duck_pair.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by kctsang<br/>Location: Singapore]] | ||
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==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
+ | Both the male and female are mostly white, with dark wingtips and a distinctive "collar" of dark feathers. These birds have green bands on the tops of their wings. The female has a harsh rattle and the male has a whistle. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Radjah Shelduck is listed as a protected bird in all states of Australia | ||
+ | |||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
+ | [[New Guinea]] and [[Australia]] | ||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
+ | This bird is placed in the genus Tadorna, it differs markedly in external morphology, and mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data (Sraml et al. 1996) suggests its status should be reinvestigated. | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
+ | Mangrove forests and coastline | ||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
+ | The Radjah Shelduck forms long-term pair-bonds, and is usually encountered in lone pairs or small flocks. During the wet season the males commonly become very irritable, and have been observed attacking their mates. | ||
+ | Diet: molluscs, insects, sedge materials and algae. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nesting: Pairs start searching for nesting sites during the months of January and February. They nest close to their primary food source. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Its nesting materials is self-supplied down feathers. Egg-laying is usually done by May or June; the clutches range from 6 to 12 eggs. Incubation time is about 30 days. | ||
+ | |||
==External Links== | ==External Links== |
Revision as of 12:29, 20 September 2007
- Tadorna radjah
Also known as the Burdekin Duck
Identification
Both the male and female are mostly white, with dark wingtips and a distinctive "collar" of dark feathers. These birds have green bands on the tops of their wings. The female has a harsh rattle and the male has a whistle.
The Radjah Shelduck is listed as a protected bird in all states of Australia
Distribution
New Guinea and Australia
Taxonomy
This bird is placed in the genus Tadorna, it differs markedly in external morphology, and mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data (Sraml et al. 1996) suggests its status should be reinvestigated.
Habitat
Mangrove forests and coastline
Behaviour
The Radjah Shelduck forms long-term pair-bonds, and is usually encountered in lone pairs or small flocks. During the wet season the males commonly become very irritable, and have been observed attacking their mates. Diet: molluscs, insects, sedge materials and algae.
Nesting: Pairs start searching for nesting sites during the months of January and February. They nest close to their primary food source.
Its nesting materials is self-supplied down feathers. Egg-laying is usually done by May or June; the clutches range from 6 to 12 eggs. Incubation time is about 30 days.